The First of January is a great time to assess my contributions to a blog devoted to things of interest to veterans and their families. I want to publish more sea-stories; however, to be a resource for military families and veterans I need, or rather, I must provide better content in 2020.
patience only goes so far when a veteran wants what was earned
For many veterans, myself counted among them, hold a cynical attitude of the amount of support that the State and Federal Government actively provides to veterans. Some of that is deserved due to standards of individual personnel hired to serve the veteran population, volume of work relying on undermanned office staff, and incompetence. However, the remedy for delays and ineffective support to veterans – customers and taxpayers – is an informed – and resolute veteran seeking redress. In my own situation, five months in determined pursuit of Navy retirement pay once eligible to receive it (a full year after initially applying) resulted in receiving up to date payment. This took letters to elected representatives, waiting hours on hold to speak to pay clerks, making visits to offices, and bringing in social media attention. The “squeaky wheel”, or irritable retired Senior Chief, gets the grease.
some benefits you may not know
Some of the benefits that veterans have now:
- Leaving the military? Enroll within 60 days for Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CBHP). It provides 18 -36 months of coverage for transitioning vets and families
- Access to Military Commissaries and Exchanges
- Military spouses will get reimbursed up to $1,000 for professional relicensing costs
- California offers Apprenticeship Training/ OJT to Veterans
Perks offered by public companies
- Disneyland/ Disney World Theme Parks
- “Veteran” designation on California Drivers License entitles veterans to discounts with some businesses
Some of this information comes via Military Times and Military OneSource, with links to the originating Government agency or other. -ed.
Truths, Half-truths, and Sea Stories 